Most common 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid problems
Share of the 55 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Camry Hybrid complaints by model year
Best Camry Hybrid years: 2016, 2017, 2023. Years to avoid: 2025, 2012, 2007, 2008, 2009. Compare all years →
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid recalls (1)
Seats
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and…
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid:
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights.
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
On September 19, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Roger Hogan requesting that the Agency investigate and recall certain Toyota Prius, Prius PHV, Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid vehicles for a brake actuator valve wear condition covered under Toyota Customer Support Programs ZJB and ZKK (subject CSP?s).
What 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid owners say
Brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid. While driving 20 MPH, the brakes malfunctioned. The contact attempted to make a sudden stop by depressing the brake pedal, but the vehicle would not stop. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. The contact sprained her right ankle from the pressure of depressing the brake pedal continually. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to north hollywood Toyota in north hollywood, california to have the damages assessed. It had not been determined yet whether or not the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified and provided the contact with claim number: [phone]. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
I was in my gym's parking lot and had just turned left into a parking space. I placed my foot on the brake to slow the car to a stop as it moved forward into the parking space. However, the brake pedal did not respond. Instead, the car continued driving forward on its own, and then I heard a sound of acceleration, as if the car was revving itself up to a higher speed. Thinking that the brake had not engaged, I took my foot off the pedal and placed it back on the brake pedal, stepping harder, but there was no response. At this point, with my foot still on the brake pedal, the car jumped up onto the curb while still accelerating on its own, ran over the sidewalk. Rolled up and over a two-foot hedge that ran parallel to the sidewalk, then crashed into the brick enforced concrete column at the corner of the gym building. …
Air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid. While driving 20 MPH, the brakes malfunctioned. The contact attempted to make a sudden stop by depressing the brake pedal, but the vehicle would not stop. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. The contact sprained her right ankle from the pressure of depressing the brake pedal continually. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to north hollywood Toyota in north hollywood, california to have the damages assessed. It had not been determined yet whether or not the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified and provided the contact with claim number: [phone]. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid. While driving 60 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle left the road and became airborne before landing onto the ground. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained cuts from the seat belt and unspecified injuries to the neck, back, and left leg. The contact was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed away and the insurance company stated that they would attempt to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent an inspector to investigate. The vehicle had not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 41,107.
Body & structure
To the point, trunk will not stay open on incline. Closed on my head while I was going to retrieve items. Called it in and Toyota told me they never heard of this complaint. The local dealer said they can not fix it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contact stated that whenever parked on an incline, the trunk lid would not remain open. The contact sustained injuries to the head and the nose as a result to the abrupt closure of the truck lid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 200.
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 42 / 38 / 40 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid a good car?
Based on 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Camry Hybrid rates avoid: 2.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Camry Hybrid at the same age. It is one of the Camry Hybrid years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid?
The brakes — 10 complaints, 18% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › disc › pads. Next are the air bags (8) and body & structure (7).
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid have?
There is 1 recall for the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid, the most recent from January 16, 2013 (seats). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Camry Hybrid?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2017 and 2023. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025, 2012, 2007, 2008 and 2009. See the full Toyota Camry Hybrid years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 27,000 miles; 78% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.